In a notable addition to New Zealand‘s coaching staff, former India batting coach Vikram Rathour has been appointed as the batting coach for their upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan. The match is set to take place at the Greater Noida Sports Complex, starting Monday.
Vikram Rathour impressive track record
Vikram Rathour brings a wealth of experience to the New Zealand team. A former Indian cricketer, Rathour played six Test matches for India in the late 1990s before transitioning into coaching and selection roles.
In 2012, he was appointed as a selector for the Indian national team, a position that marked the beginning of his off-field career. More recently, Rathour led the Indian batting unit under the guidance of head coach Rahul Dravid, playing a pivotal role in India’s triumph at the 2024 T20 World Cup.
His expertise, particularly in handling pressure situations and nurturing young talent, is expected to add significant value to the New Zealand team as they prepare for the Test match against Afghanistan.
Blackcaps boosted by spin coach Rangana Herath
New Zealand’s preparations for their upcoming series in Asia, including the Test against Afghanistan, have also been strengthened by the inclusion of former Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath as their spin-bowling coach. Herath, who replaces former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, will work with the Blackcaps for the one-off Test and two subsequent matches in Sri Lanka.
Herath’s presence is expected to be invaluable, particularly for New Zealand’s left-arm orthodox spinners Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner, and Rachin Ravindra, who will benefit from his experience and knowledge of the subcontinent conditions. With over 100 Test wickets at the Galle International Stadium, Herath’s insight into playing in Sri Lanka is seen as a major advantage.
New Zealand excited about new additions
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed his excitement about the appointments of Rathour and Herath, noting the significant experience both coaches bring. “Both men are held in high regard in the world of cricket, and I know our players are really looking forward to learning from them,” Stead said.
For New Zealand, the upcoming Test against Afghanistan is not just an opportunity to secure a win but also to fine-tune their preparations for their upcoming Test series in Asia. With the addition of Rathour’s batting expertise and Herath’s spin-bowling insights, the Blackcaps are gearing up for a challenging yet exciting phase in the subcontinent.
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